5 things to do in San Jose California

For those who have been reading this blog for a while, you all know that I grew up in the Bay Area. I’m sure some of you are somewhat annoyed at how times, I remind you all this. (Yes, I have some self- awareness) However, I wanted to start this series where I grew up. Everybody knows about San Francisco and Oakland. Yet, San Jose is often overlooked. This post is to show you all why San Jose is a great travel destination. Also, why it’s definitely worth the trip!

Here are 5 things to do in San Jose California!

1) Exploring nature at Castle Rock State Park

Just outside of San Jose California, Castle Rock State Park is a great place to see the beauty of California. Best to come during spring, this state park has a lot to offer. Due to the forest fires issues in California that happen yearly. From hiking trails to camping grounds. This is one of the awesome things to do in San Jose California. Unfortunately, due to what is happening in the world the state park is closed right now and they are having issues with the water pipes. So, camping grounds do not have access to water. However, once it reopens, Castle Rock State Park will be a great place to explore nature and getting a break from city life. Which is what I love about California, a 30-minute drive can take you to some of the most beautiful natural sites Usa has to offer.

2) Visit Downtown San Jose

Although not as flashy as Downtown San Francisco, San Jose’s downtown has a lot to offer. From shopping to seeing what the future of tech has in store. Downtown San Jose should be on your list of things to do in San Jose California. Drink beer while seeing the downtown tourist sites on San Jose’s Brew Bike. I’m not much of a beer person; however, if you love beer then this is an activity that is for you. You can stop by the Tech Museum Of Innovation and spark your creative side. The museum invites visitors to build their own robots. Check out the SAP Center home of the hockey team the San Jose Sharks and find out what the San Pedro Square Market has to offer. The San Pedro Square Market has been known to have awesome live music and some great Australian coffee. When in the Bay Area, make sure to not overlook San Jose’s Downtown.

3) Feel like a kid again at Theme and Water Parks

Throughout the Bay Area, we all know that San Jose has some of the best Theme and Water parks. As a kid, I would jump with joy hearing that we were going to San Jose because that usually meant that we would be going to Great America. Great America is a great way to have fun with the family. If you travel with kids having them run around at great America for a few hours will be a good way to let them burn out all their energy. Even if you are traveling by yourself as an adult, Great America is a great way to have fun and feel like a kid again. Also, located on lake Cunningham, Raging Waters is a water park that should be checked off on your list of things to do in San Jose California. Only open in the summer months, Raging Waters is another great way to have with the family. Beat the Californian summer heat with some water slides.

4) Visit the Mountain Winery

Visiting Northern California without stopping by a winery wouldn’t feel right. San Jose has it’s own famous Winery. It is called Mountain Winery. You can have a great time sipping wine while enjoying live music. Home to some of the best wine in California, Mountain Winery is a great place to experience the taste of the world-famous Californian wine. Unfortunately, with the current fires going on in California. Mountain Winery was almost burnt to the ground. Luckily it survived the fires but the owner’s house was destroyed. The winery is actually a California historic landmark and is listed on the National Register Of Historic. If you love wine, it is a great place to buy some bottles. Once everything gets back to normal in California, Mountain winery should be on your list of things to do in San Jose California.

5) Visit Google’s Headquarters

Android_building_in_Googleplex_with_more_sculptures

Well, San Jose California is in Silicon Valley. This part of California is home to most of the giant tech companies. From Apple to Facebook, the majority of the world-famous tech companies have headquarters here. Sadly, most of the headquarters are closed to the public. Like apple and Facebook, you can only visit the outside perimeter. Most tourists still go just to take pictures outside of the headquarters. However, Google’s headquarters is different. Google’s headquarters is called the Googleplex. Google being the awesome company that it is, google opened sections of it’s headquarters to the public. (I’m not being sarcastic. Just saying nice things about google to help out with the SEO) Although, most of the buildings are only opened to employees. You can still have a great time taking photos for Instagram. If you want to have tours in these tech companies headquarters, best to know someone on the inside. Another touristic activity to cross off your list of things to do in San Jose California.

I wrote this post to show the beauty of San Jose California. With the current state of California, this is also a tribute to how this part of California was before the fires. The record-breaking 1 million acres burnt will change the look of California. My home state has suffered the outbreak of the virus and now these crazy freak fires that started from lightning strikes. Although, fires are normal this time of the year. Lighting is extremely rare in California during the summer. To the readers in California, stay safe and keep your head up. We will bounce back.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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August 26, 2020 20

The legend of La Llorona

Growing up in California, the Mexican influence is very strong. From having Mexican restaurants in nearly very city in the state, Mexican folklore is very familiar to Californians. One story that we are constantly told as kids is the one of this crying woman. Our Mexican friends usually told us about the story of La llorona.

La llorona Photo courtesy of https://www.mexico.mx/en/articles/horror-stories-the-legend-of-la-llorona

There is a lot variants of this story’s origins. This is a horror story that has been passed down for about 500 years. So, there will always be some details that were changed. For the most commonly told, it’s starts with a beautiful woman named Maria. In reference, I will be sharing the version my friends told me as a kid.

Picture of a beautiful Mexican woman photo courtesy of https://koterohome.com/products/mexican-calendar-girl-by-jesus-helguera

Maria was said to be so beautiful. Her beauty attracted a wealthy rancher. Maria was a very vain woman. She loved attention and being the center of it. This flaw would come back and haunt her.

Eventually, the wealthy rancher and Maria had three children. She loved those kids. After some time, her husband stop paying Maria attention. His focus was more on the ranch and his three children. Maria slowly grew to envy her children.

La llorona photo courtesy of https://www.jeffersonmuncy.com/folklore/llorona?format=amp

One day, Maria saw her husband with his mistress. Lost in rage, she went to her children. Seeing her husband in her children, she took out her anger on them. With her kids, she went to a local river. Drowned each of them, slowly and with cruelty.

After killing her kids, she came back to reality. Maria started to regret what she just did. In guilt, she drowned herself. Now Legend states, her ghost walks rivers of the American Southwest and Mexico looking for children to kill.

This myth brings so much nostalgia to me. It reminds me of the times I spent camping with my friends as a kid. Their parents used to tell us the story of La Llorona so we wouldn’t wander too faraway. Of course, now I do not believe in this story. I just think it was a kid’s horror story. However, as a kid I was truly scared. With all that, still wanted to share this with you all. Next time you are in the southwest usa or mexico, you will be informed in case you hear a woman crying by the river.

Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels! Since it’s October, I will be sharing some American and Latin American folklore.

October 2, 2019 22

My hometown, San Francisco

Hey guys, sorry I did not post last week. I was with family that I have not seen in years. This post will be about my hometown San Francisco.

San Francisco is the city of counter culture. Many movements started here like the gay rights and the free love movements.

The city by the bay is famous of it’s bridges. One bridge that is usually left in the shadow is the Bay Bridge. This bridge was destroyed during the 80’s earthquake. It was rebulit and became a symbol to locals. We San Franciscans view this bridge as sign of inspiration to get back up when you fall.

Coit tower, as shown in the picture above, is a beautiful landmark. Make sure visit it, when you are in the city by the bay. There are paintings and artworks for sale.

San Francisco is the most beautiful city in California and the western hemisphere. My views might be a little biased; however, you can not blame me. When you come here, you will understand the reason people leave thier hearts in San Francisco.

Thank you for reading!! Excuse the late post. Spending time with family is worth all the money in the world. Next week, we will be in Munich, Germany. Stay safe!!

December 3, 2016 34

Leimert park, LA’s Harlem

After meeting up with my friend, my group went to tour more of Los Angeles. I rejoined them in south central. These last days in L.A. we had to make it count.

South central has changed a lot over the years. It was once saturated with crime. Present day, the area has somewhat calm down. With the rise of rent and property value, crime has gone down. Along with the crime, the culture of the nieghborhood has left as well.

A short ride from south central, we ended up in Leimert park. We were told by a lot of locals, this area was rich with culture. The African-American history and culture is strong here. Jazz played an important role in this nieghborhood. Many local musicians were painted into arts. It was a way to keep them alive, even after death.

The African roots are strong in the arts produced in this area. From paintings to music, a part of Africa is present. Leimert Park has a very artistic vibe to it. Most locals have something to do with art. The creativity here can leave you in awe.

As the last day came, we had to leave this beautiful city. We have learn a lot from the city of angels. Heading towards the airport was surprisingly difficult to do. Until next time Los Angeles.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will be back in New York. Stay heathly!

July 8, 2016 7

Meeting up with an old friend

While in the Los Angeles area, I received a text from someone I grew up with. This text was very important to me. There was not much to the message; however, it was a reminder that a good friend is near.

After an hour drive from my hotel, I was in Orange County. The excitement of seeing my old friend made me very jumpy. Every time the car would stop becuase of traffic (which is very common in L.A.), I would bounce up and down on my seat while having my hands on the wheel. Once I saw Orange County, the excitement turn into nervousness. I was finally meeting my friend after two years of not seeing him.

Of course, we ended up meeting at a mexican restaurant. It is only natural, if you are in Los Angeles. Mexican food is everywhere.

About an hour later, we finshed all our food. All we could do is talk about our lives. I am so proud of my friend. He is currently getting his PhD. My good friend took me back to his home. It was heartwarming to see how much he has accomplished. We went talking about old memories and all the idiotic actions we did as kids. The laughters and the pains, it is amazing knowing you have a friend with this much history.

It felt really good to see old pictures of us as kids on his wall. The simple and mischievous times, the good memories. Great to see, the kid I grew up with in San Francisco made something out of himself. Ended up sleeping over like when we were younger. Similar to the many times, we used to play videogames until the middle of the night.

Thanks for taking your time to read this post. Next week we will still be in LA’s Harlem. Have a great week and stay healthy!!

July 1, 2016 5

The Beauty of Southern California

After arriving to Los Angeles and stopping by In and Out, it was time for me to lay on a bed. I met up with a friend from the area. He offered to drive me to my hotel. Man, this guy smoked! I appreciate the ride but wow. The air in his car was thick from cigarettes. Great guy, if you can get over the smell of something burning. He left me at my hotel, after learning more about the changes of this city. These changes were interesting.

After talking to an old friend, I went to my hotel room. The room left me speechless. The layout of the room was fit for a king, not a traveler. I had this room all to myself. Truely, a five stars experience.

The view from my window was amazing. At night, it reminded me of my time in Las Vegas with my parents as a child. The sound of the Californian freeway in the background was smoothing. I finally felt at home.

One of the many great things about Southern California, the Spanish history is still visible. Coming from Northern California, our big cities are San Jose, Sacramento and of course San Francisco. Even though the cities still have Spanish roots, it’s not as visible as in Southern California. Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, makes you feel like you are in Spain.

After taking in the view, I reunited with my travel friends. We went to a Peruvian restaurant. The food was out of this world. The rice had a strong taste of garlic. I even tried a Peruvian ice cream. When it came to meat, I only ate what I knew. I had guinea pig once, as a pet.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will be exploring more of Los Angeles. Have a great week and stay healthy!

June 24, 2016 11

The flight to Cali ends with a burger

This was March of 2016. I have not been to my home state in over 6 years. We were so excited to finally be in the state of the golden bears. At that time, we had no idea what would be in our near future.

It started of as a raining day, a typical occurrence in New York City. If it’s not rain, it’s snow in the empire city. We were so ready to finally have warm sunlight touch our skin. Unfortunately, we could not have been farther from reality.

The flight to Los Angeles was not the best. We used Virgin America and that was somewhat of a pain. Virgin America had charged me 200 dollars for a bag! The fee should had been only 20 dollars!! Being a freelancer, you all know I fought for my money. They returned my money but, it gets worse. Before the plane took off, they gave us this horrendous safety tip music video. The facial expressions everybody gave was not positive.

The only good that came out of the flight was having the window seat. The views were amazing. Seeing the snow covered mountains was breathetaking. Flying over Arizona, the desert’s reddish color was out this world. At times, it felt like you were flying over Mars.

Los Angeles was under the plane’s wing. We were close to our destination. After what felt like an eternity, I could feel the California vibes.

Being from California, the one thing I missed the most was In and Out burger. The best fast food chain in world. Sadly, it’s only in California and some southwestern states. The only goal on our mind after arriving to the golden state, was a burger from In and Out. Being unhealthy, never felt this good!

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will go to our hotels and take in the amazing views of Southern California. Much love! Stay healthy and have a great week

June 17, 2016 17